National's immigration spokesperson Stuart Smith today suggested Mr Boochani was only let into New Zealand because he had "political friends in New Zealand in the Green party and the Labour party".

"I deeply suspect there was interference from further up the ladder or influence because of Boochani's political connections," he told Radio NZ.

Jacinda Ardern this afternoon called the allegation “offensive”.

Source: 1 NEWS

“I think the claims that have been made here are an insult to New Zealand’s immigration system and also to the integrity of parliamentarians.

“I won’t comment on the specifics of the case in question because of course politicians have no role to play in it.

“It’s a very important distinction we have to make and also under the law we’re not permitted to even speak of someone in this particular set of circumstances’ potential immigration status,” the Prime Minister said.

She said New Zealand’s immigration system is “robust” and objected to the allegation, calling it “wrong”.

Mr Boochani travelled to New Zealand in November, ending a marathon stay in Australia's offshore detention regime by accepting an invitation for a speaking engagement in Christchurch.